Saviem SM
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Trucks, buses, commercial vehicles |
The Saviem SM constituted a series of medium-duty trucks manufactured by the French company Saviem between 1967 and 1975.
History
Towards the end of 1967, Saviem introduced the SM lineup as part of a prolonged collaboration with the German manufacturer MAN. This range featured medium trucks equipped with the 812 cab, which was adapted from the SG series (Super Galion and Super Goélette). Additionally, the heavier-duty SM Europe variants utilized the Europe/Espace cab design. Production for commercial markets ended in 1975; however, military adaptations of these trucks continued to be produced beyond that year.
Variants
The SM series included four models differentiated by their gross vehicle weight ratings: SM5 at 8.7 tonnes, SM6 at 9 tonnes, SM7 at 10.95 tonnes, and SM8 at 12.3 tonnes.
Engines
All models except the SM5 were initially powered by the 597 engine produced at Saviem's Limoges facility, which was subsequently replaced by the upgraded 797 and 798 engines. Released in 1967 and also employed in MAN’s medium truck lineup, the 597 was a naturally aspirated straight-six with a displacement of 5.27 litres, delivering power at 2,900 rpm and torque at 1,600 rpm. This engine incorporated direct injection technology licensed from MAN and primarily powered the SM6 as well as certain military versions starting in 1970.
Beginning in 1970, the range transitioned to the enhanced 797 and turbocharged 798 engines—both developments of the original 597 design. The naturally aspirated 797 featured a 5.49-litre straight-six configuration producing power at 2,900 rpm and torque at 1,700 rpm, powering the SM7 and SM8 variants. The turbocharged 798 engine was installed in select SM8 4x4 models, offering increased output at 2,900 rpm along with torque available at 1,800 rpm. The SM5 was equipped with an updated iteration of the SG series’ 712-01 engine.
Transmission
The drivetrain incorporated rear-wheel drive with a single driveshaft on shorter wheelbases and dual shafts on longer chassis. A manually operated single-plate Verto Division Ferodo 12 LF 39 clutch was standard across models except for the SM8 4x4. The transmission consisted of a horizontally mounted five-speed manual gearbox (with four synchronized gears), designated as model 301.
Suspension and brakes
Both front and rear suspensions utilized leaf springs throughout the series. Braking systems varied depending on model: hydraulic/air brakes were fitted to the SM6, while compressed air brakes were standard on the SM7 and SM8 variants.