Saviem Super Galion
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Fate | Merged into Renault Trucks (RVI) |
| Successor | Renault Trucks RVI |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Commercial vehicles, trucks |
The Saviem Super Galion is a light-duty truck with a gross vehicle weight under six tonnes, manufactured by the French company Saviem between 1965 and 1982. It was also sold under the name Renault Super Galion.
History
In 1957, Saviem introduced the Renault Galion, a compact commercial vehicle capable of carrying a 2.5-tonne load, which was related to the smaller "Goélette".[1][2] As part of a modernization effort for its light commercial lineup in 1965, Saviem launched the Super Galion alongside the lighter Renault Super Goélette.[1] The Super Galion was designed with a gross vehicle weight of 5.950 tonnes, deliberately kept just below the French regulatory limit for heavier trucks.[3]
During the 1968 Paris Motor Show, Saviem presented the SG5 model featuring improvements in suspension and gearbox.[4] Further design revisions were made in 1968, 1969, and again in 1979 to maintain consistency with updates applied to the Super Goélette. Starting from April 1980, the vehicle was marketed under the Renault Trucks RVI brand.
International
The Super Galion was produced abroad through licensing agreements; it was assembled by Czech company Avia and sold as the Avia A30. Additionally, Alfa Romeo manufactured it under license, offering versions named Alfa Romeo A38 and F20. The model also appeared with MAN branding as the 475 and 7-90.
Engines
By 1970, the predominant engine in the SG4 variant was the 3.32-litre inline-four Renault-Saviem 712-01 diesel engine equipped with a direct injection system sourced from MAN. This engine delivered power at 3,200 rpm and torque at 2,000 rpm. The initial diesel option was a 3-litre Renault-Saviem 591–01 with a Ricardo fuel injection system producing power at 3,200 rpm and torque at 2,000 rpm. In 1968, this engine was replaced by the 599–01 model adopting MAN's direct injection technology, quickly followed by the introduction of the 712–01. Petrol engines available at launch included a 2.1-litre Renault Étendard 671 generating power; this was superseded in 1968 by a larger 2.6-litre 817 engine producing at 3,600 rpm with torque at 2,000 rpm.
Dimensions and variants
By the year 1970, the Super Galion was available in several configurations: as a bare chassis intended for custom coachbuilding, as a cabin fitted with side panels also for coachwork purposes, or as a fully bodied vehicle. Wheelbase options ranged from to , while overall length varied between and . The width measured , and fully equipped models stood at in height.
The front suspension system consists of independent coil springs combined with wishbones, whereas the rear suspension employs a beam axle supported by leaf springs—a contrast to the coil spring setup found on the Super Goélette. Telescopic shock absorbers are installed on both axles to enhance ride quality. Power is delivered through rear-wheel drive coupled with a fully synchronized four-speed transmission. The chassis incorporates a double universal joint configuration; longer wheelbase versions utilize an additional triple universal joint along with an intermediate drive shaft. Braking is managed by drum brakes on both front and rear axles. Steering operates via a gammer worm and roller mechanism.