Saviem J

The Saviem J was a range of medium-duty trucks manufactured by the French manufacturers Saviem and Renault Véhicules Industriels between 1975 and 1980.

Saviem J
Overview
ManufacturerSaviem/RVI
Also calledRenault J
Renault Midliner
Mack Midliner (Australia)
Production1975–1980 (until 2000 as the Midliner)
AssemblyBlainville-sur-Orne, France
Body and chassis
ClassMedium truck
Body styleCOE
Powertrain
Engine
  • 3.6 L Saviem 720 diesel I4
  • 5.4 L Saviem 597 diesel I6
  • 5.4 L Saviem 598 td I6
Transmission5-speed manual
Chronology
PredecessorSaviem SG4
Saviem SM
SuccessorRenault Midlum

History

In the early 1970s, DAF, Magirus-Deutz, Volvo and Saviem formed the Club of Four to develop and manufacture a medium-duty truck. In order to do this, the company European Truck Development (ETD) was established in the Netherlands.[1]

The Saviem version of this new truck range, the J, entered into production in 1975 and was fitted with MAN engines assembled under licence at Saviem's Limoges factory.[1] Later, the range incorporated other engines. It went on sale in Britain in 1979, shortly before the name was changed to Renault.[2]

Characteristics

Dimensions

The range was originally composed of three models: JN 90, JP 11 and JP 13, with the latter being subdivided into 13A, B and C.

The JN 90 was a 9-ton GVW (gross vehicle weight) truck with various wheelbases from 2.7 to 5.05 metres (8.9 to 16.6 ft). The JP 11s were 11-ton GVW models with wheelbases from 2.85 to 5.2 metres (9.4 to 17.1 ft). The JP 13 had various combinations of engine and dimensions available.[3]

Later, the company introduced the lighter, four-cylinder JK range: JK 60 (6-ton GVW), JK 65 (6.5-ton GVW) and JK 75 (7.5-ton GVW). Wheelbases ranged from 2.7 to 4.45 metres (8.9 to 14.6 ft).[2] The six-cylinder JN added various version between 7.5 and 8.5-ton GVW.[4] Saviem also introduced the JR/JX range for trucks over 19-ton GVW.

Engines

The first engines of the J range were two 5.49L straight-six engines (the 597 and the 598) which had been fitted previously to the Saviems SM7 and SM8. The 597 was an atmospheric with a power output of 112 kW (150 hp) at 2,900 rpm and a torque of 402 N⋅m (296 lb⋅ft) at 1,700 rpm. The 598 was turbocharged and had a maximum power output of 127 kW (170 hp) and a torque of 454 N⋅m (335 lb⋅ft).[3] The JK range added the 720 straight-four MAN-licensed engines, producing 67 kW (90 hp) at 3,000 rpm and 172 lb⋅ft (233 N⋅m) at 1,680 rpm.[4][5]

Transmission

A single gearbox, the S 5.35 type from ZF, was used on all the range. It was a fully synchronized five-speed unit.[3] Later were incorporated the S 5.25 (for the JK models) and a Saviem-made unit.[6]

Suspension

The J range had a suspension of leaf springs with dampers and anti-roll bars at the front and rear.[3] The steering is a worm and sector setup.[5]

Renault Midliner
Renault Midliner

After the merger of Saviem and Berliet in 1978 which led to the creation of Renault Véhicules Industriels on 1 January 1980, the Saviem brand disappeared. After a slight facelift, the Saviem J series models were marketed under the name Renault JK/G and then as the Renault S and G from 1985 on.

As early as 1979, the model was sold in North America and Australia by Mack Trucks under the name Mack Mid-Liner. While it was offered in most export markets as the Renault S or G Series, the Midliner name was also used in some places.

Several modernizations were carried out from 1987, offering a more modern design of the cabin. The heavier version resembled the S series and was marketed as the Renault Midliner M or MK or simply Renault M/MK. In 1991, the entire series was officially renamed the Renault Midliner. In 1995, the cabin was tweaked externally and completely redesigned internally. The vehicle has also benefited from constant technical evolutions, in 1975 with diesel injection engines with turbulence chamber and then turbocharged engines. In the 1980s, direct-injection diesel engines appeared, as did anti-lock braking systems. Common rail injection diesel engines were introduced in the 1990s. In 2000, production was discontinued and the Renault Midliner was replaced by the all-new Midlum.

Renault TRM 2000
Renault TRM 2000 trucks

The Renault TRM 2000 was a military truck heavily based on the Saviem J and its derivatives. It was built from 1982 until 1990. It had a payload of 2 tons. It was built to replace the aging Saviem TP3 and the Simca Marmon vehicles.

References and sources
  1. Carroll, John; Davies, Peter James (2007). Complete Book Tractors and Trucks. Hermes House. pp. 66–67. ISBN 1-843-09689-7.
  2. Kennett, Pat, ed. (August 1979). "French without tears". TRUCK. London, UK: FF Publishing Ltd: 71.
  3. Montgomerie, Graham (10 January 1975). "First crack at the Club". Commercial Motor. London: IPC Transport Press. 141 (35): 26–28. ISSN 0010-3063.
  4. Norbye, Jan P. (27 August 1979). "Berliet, Saviem absorbed in smooth Renault move". Automotive News. Detroit: Crain. ISSN 0005-1551.
  5. French without tears, p. 78
  6. "Renault Trucks Serie J". Esassone.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
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