Saviem JL
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive, Truck manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Somua JL |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Defunct | 1963 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Parent | Renault |
The Saviem JL series consisted of medium to heavy trucks manufactured by the French company Saviem, a division of Renault, between 1957 and 1963.
Characteristics
Derived from the Somua JL lineup, the initial Saviem JL models were equipped with engines sourced from manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo and Panhard. In 1961, the front end was redesigned to include dual headlamps, and the trucks began utilizing Fulgur diesel engines produced at Saviem’s Limoges facility.
By 1963, certain JL variants started incorporating MAN powertrains through collaborative agreements, which resulted in the introduction of the JM series. Meanwhile, models continuing with Fulgur engines were reclassified under the S (S9) designation, although the JL badge remained in occasional use.
Engines
At launch, the JL range offered a variety of engine options including those from Renault, Henschel, and Alfa Romeo. From 1961 onward, it standardized on two Fulgur diesel engines: a 4.8-liter inline-four delivering 100 horsepower and a 6.8-liter inline-six generating 150 horsepower. The largest JL20/200 variant maintained an 11-liter Henschel direct-injection diesel engine producing 204 horsepower, whereas the JL20 was powered by a 9.35-liter Panhard D615H diesel engine manufactured under Lanova license. The Saviem JM, introduced in 1964, replaced the JL with more advanced and higher-performance models.