Renault Trucks
French commercial-vehicle brand specializing in trucks, vans and related transport solutions, owned by Volvo Group.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Renault Trucks is a French commercial-vehicle manufacturer and brand headquartered in Saint-Priest near Lyon. It supplies light, medium and heavy trucks for urban distribution, regional haulage, construction, long-distance transport and specialized applications. The brand is part of Volvo Group, alongside brands including Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks and Volvo Buses, but retains a distinct French identity, product range and commercial network. The modern company was created in 1978 when Saviem and Berliet, two major French commercial-vehicle operations, were combined under the name Renault Véhicules Industriels, commonly abbreviated RVI. Saviem had developed from Renault’s earlier truck and bus activities and had participated in the European “Club of Four” medium-truck collaboration with Volvo, DAF and Magirus-Deutz. Berliet had become part of state-owned Renault in 1975 after Renault acquired it from Citroën. The merger brought together complementary engineering, manufacturing and distribution capabilities. Saviem and Berliet names continued temporarily while their model ranges were consolidated, and Renault branding became dominant from 1980. During the 1980s and 1990s, Renault Véhicules Industriels expanded through acquisitions, partnerships and international operations. It acquired commercial-vehicle activities formerly associated with Dodge in the United Kingdom and Spain, took control of Mack Trucks, and built interests in bus manufacturers and bodybuilders. The business also continued producing buses and coaches for many years. In 1999, its bus and coach operations were separated and combined with Iveco’s bus activities in Irisbus; the Renault name on those products was subsequently replaced by Irisbus. A major ownership transition occurred in 2001. Renault exchanged part of its Volvo holding and transferred its truck operations, including Mack Trucks, to Volvo Group. Renault Véhicules Industriels was renamed Renault Trucks in 2002. Volvo Group then invested heavily in a new generation of Renault Trucks vehicles, introduced from 2013. The T long-haul range, D distribution range and C and K construction ranges replaced much of the previous product family and gave the brand a more coherent platform strategy within the group while preserving Renault Trucks styling and market positioning. Renault Trucks’ portfolio now covers conventional diesel trucks, alternative-fuel vehicles and electric commercial vehicles. Its electric program includes battery-electric versions aimed at urban distribution, refuse collection and other predictable-duty cycles, while the wider range serves fleet operators, construction companies, logistics providers and public-sector customers. The brand also markets selected Renault light commercial vehicles, including Renault Trucks Master and Renault Trucks Trafic variants, through its professional-vehicle network. The company previously operated a defense business known as Renault Trucks Defense. That activity included tactical and armored vehicles such as the Sherpa and VAB families and was renamed Arquus in 2018. Renault Trucks therefore no longer represents the defense business under its current principal brand identity. Today, Renault Trucks remains a major European truck marque, combining French engineering heritage with Volvo Group manufacturing, technology and global distribution capabilities.
History
Renault’s involvement in commercial vehicles began before the Renault Trucks brand existed. The company built dedicated commercial trucks from 1906, but in 1956 reorganized its truck and bus activities into Saviem. Lighter commercial vehicles continued to use Renault branding, while Saviem became the principal name for heavier trucks and buses. Saviem later participated in the Club of Four development program with Volvo, DAF and Magirus-Deutz, producing medium-duty vehicles for several European markets. Renault’s commercial-vehicle presence expanded in 1975 when the state-owned automobile group acquired Berliet from Citroën. Berliet brought a substantial French truck and bus engineering base. In 1978, Berliet and Saviem were merged into Renault Véhicules Industriels. Their former names remained in use during the transition, but the product ranges were gradually unified and Renault branding became standard in 1980. From 1992, the corporate name was also written Renault V.I. The company subsequently broadened its geographic and product reach. In 1983 it acquired commercial-vehicle operations in the United Kingdom and Spain that had previously used Dodge branding. Some British models retained Dodge names for a period, while Spanish vehicles were progressively rebadged as Renault products. Renault Véhicules Industriels also increased its involvement in Mack Trucks, acquiring a 42 percent stake in 1987 and full ownership in 1990. Its broader industrial portfolio included interests in Heuliez Bus and the Czech bus manufacturer Karosa, as well as cooperation with Finnish truck producer Sisu. Buses and coaches were an important part of the historical business. Renault Véhicules Industriels produced or marketed numerous bus and coach families, including vehicles inherited from Berliet and Saviem. In 1999, the bus and coach operations were separated from the truck business and combined with Iveco’s bus activities in Irisbus. Irisbus later became wholly owned by Iveco, and Renault branding disappeared from those products. Renault’s privatization and restructuring led to a decisive change in ownership. In 2000, Renault and Volvo agreed to exchange shareholdings and combine the Renault truck business with Volvo’s operations. The transaction was completed on 2 January 2001. It included Renault Véhicules Industriels and Mack Trucks but did not include Renault’s Irisbus interest. The company adopted the Renault Trucks name in 2002 and became a Volvo Group brand. Under Volvo ownership, Renault Trucks benefited from group investment in new platforms and manufacturing capabilities. The company introduced its T, C, K and D families in 2013, covering long-distance, construction and distribution applications. These vehicles replaced several older families, including Premium, Midlum, Kerax and other ranges. Renault Trucks continued to maintain its own brand design, dealer relationships and market identity while using the industrial resources of Volvo Group. The former defense division followed a separate path. Renault Trucks Defense inherited capabilities connected with Berliet and produced armored and tactical vehicles, including the VAB and Sherpa families. Volvo announced plans to divest its government-sales activities, and the defense business was ultimately renamed Arquus in 2018. Renault Trucks today focuses principally on civil commercial vehicles, including diesel, alternative-fuel and battery-electric trucks, as well as selected light commercial vans sold through its professional network. Its historical importance rests on the consolidation of French truck manufacturing and its subsequent integration into one of the world’s largest commercial-vehicle groups.
- 2018
Renault Trucks Defense becomes Arquus
[1]The defense division adopts the Arquus name and becomes distinct from the principal Renault Trucks commercial-vehicle brand.
- 2013
New C, D, K and T ranges launch
[1]Renault Trucks introduces a new family of distribution, construction and long-haul vehicles.
- 2002
Renault Trucks name is adopted
[1]Renault Véhicules Industriels is renamed Renault Trucks.
- 2001
Volvo Group acquisition is completed
[1]Volvo Group takes over Renault’s truck manufacturing operations and Mack Trucks.
- 1999
Bus activities move into Irisbus
[1]Renault’s bus and coach operations are combined with Iveco’s bus business in Irisbus.
- 1990
Mack Trucks becomes fully owned
[1]Renault Véhicules Industriels completes its acquisition of Mack Trucks.
- 1987
Renault acquires a stake in Mack Trucks
[1]Renault Véhicules Industriels takes a 42 percent interest in the American truck manufacturer Mack Trucks.
- 1978
Renault Véhicules Industriels is created
[1]Saviem and Berliet are combined to form Renault Véhicules Industriels.
- 1975
Renault acquires Berliet
[1]Renault acquires Berliet from Citroën, adding a major French truck and bus manufacturer to its commercial-vehicle operations.
- 1956
Saviem is formed
[1]Renault’s heavier commercial-vehicle activities are reorganized into Saviem, while lighter vehicles continue using the Renault name.
Products and positioning
A professional commercial-vehicle brand positioned around operating efficiency, driver usability, durability, safety, lower-emission transport and lifecycle support, with particular strength in European truck markets.
Long-haul truck · 2013
Renault Trucks T
The T is Renault Trucks’ heavy-duty long-distance range, introduced in 2013 as part of the company’s new-generation lineup. It is designed for highway freight, fleet operations and driver-oriented cab use. The range has also been extended with battery-electric variants for lower-emission applications as charging infrastructure and duty cycles permit.
Medium-duty distribution truck · 2013
Renault Trucks D
The D range serves urban and regional distribution work. It replaced the Midlum, Premium Distribution and Access families in the 2013 product reorganization. Typical applications include logistics, municipal services, delivery work and bodybuilder configurations requiring maneuverability and frequent stops.
Construction truck · 2013
Renault Trucks C
The C is intended for construction and mixed on-road/off-road work. It combines heavy-duty capability with configurations for aggregates, concrete, site delivery and other demanding applications. The range forms part of the modern Renault Trucks generation introduced after Volvo Group’s substantial product investment.
Heavy construction truck · 2013
Renault Trucks K
The K is the brand’s particularly robust construction-oriented range. It is designed for severe-duty operations where payload, traction, chassis strength and off-road mobility are important. Its configurations support specialized bodies and demanding quarry, infrastructure and construction tasks.
Light commercial van · 1980
Renault Trucks Master
Renault Trucks markets the Renault Master large van through its commercial-vehicle network. The vehicle is suitable for delivery, service, trades and fleet applications and is also sold under other alliance and partner brands in different markets. It extends Renault Trucks’ offer below traditional medium and heavy trucks.
Light commercial van · 2022
Renault Trucks Trafic
The Renault Trucks Trafic is a light commercial van offered to professional customers from the early 2020s. It targets urban delivery, trades, service fleets and other applications requiring a smaller vehicle than the truck ranges.
Former long-haul truck
Renault Magnum
The Magnum was a distinctive former Renault heavy truck associated with long-distance transport. It became known for its high-floor cab design and strong visual identity before being superseded by newer generations such as the T.
Former medium-duty truck
Renault Midlum
The Midlum was a medium-duty distribution truck used in urban and regional applications. It was one of the principal predecessor ranges replaced by the Renault Trucks D family in the 2013 restructuring.
Former construction truck
Renault Kerax
The Kerax was a heavy construction and severe-duty truck range. It served quarrying, infrastructure and other demanding applications before the C and K ranges became the principal modern construction families.
Marketing campaigns
- 2013R/Evolution product launch
Europe · International markets
Renault Trucks presented its new-generation vehicle strategy through the R/Evolution launch, introducing the T, C, K and D families and replacing much of the previous range.
Outcome. Established the core product architecture used by the brand in the following period.
Brand decisions
2018
Separate the defense identityStrategyBackground
Volvo Group was reorganizing its government-sales and defense-related operations.
Action taken
Renault Trucks Defense was renamed Arquus.
Aftermath
The Renault Trucks name became more closely associated with civil commercial vehicles, while the defense business developed its own brand.
2013
Replace the legacy truck familiesGeneration changeBackground
Renault Trucks needed a modern, coherent lineup following its integration into Volvo Group.
Action taken
The company launched the T, C, K and D ranges for long-haul, construction and distribution work.
Aftermath
The new families replaced older ranges including Premium, Midlum, Kerax and Access in their principal applications.
2001
Join Volvo GroupM&ABackground
Renault was restructuring its industrial portfolio and sought a major strategic arrangement for its heavy-vehicle business.
Action taken
Renault transferred its truck operations and Mack Trucks to Volvo Group through a shareholding and business combination.
Aftermath
The business became part of Volvo Group and was renamed Renault Trucks in 2002.
1978
Merge Saviem and BerlietM&ABackground
Renault controlled two significant French commercial-vehicle operations with overlapping capabilities and product histories.
Action taken
Renault combined Saviem and Berliet into Renault Véhicules Industriels.
Aftermath
The merger created the direct predecessor of Renault Trucks and consolidated French truck manufacturing under Renault.
Recent events
- 2023
Battery-electric Renault Trucks T enters the product program[1]
Product launch · Product generation
Renault Trucks added an electric version of its T long-haul platform as part of its transition toward lower-emission commercial transport.
- 2018
Renault Trucks Defense becomes Arquus[1]
Other
The Volvo-owned defense business previously known as Renault Trucks Defense was renamed Arquus and developed a separate identity.
- 2013
Renault Trucks introduces its C, D, K and T generation[1]
Product generation · Product launch
A new product family covering distribution, construction and long-distance work replaced several earlier Renault Trucks ranges.
- 2002
The business adopts the Renault Trucks name[1]
Other
Renault Véhicules Industriels was renamed Renault Trucks after becoming part of Volvo Group.
- 2001
Volvo Group completes acquisition of Renault truck operations[1]
M&A
A transaction between Renault and Volvo transferred Renault’s truck manufacturing business and Mack Trucks to Volvo Group while excluding the Irisbus bus interest.
- 1990
Renault Véhicules Industriels acquires Mack Trucks[1]
M&A
After acquiring a substantial stake in Mack Trucks in 1987, Renault Véhicules Industriels became its full owner in 1990.
- 1978
Renault Véhicules Industriels and Berliet are combined[1]
M&A
Renault merged its Saviem commercial-vehicle operation with Berliet to create Renault Véhicules Industriels, the predecessor of Renault Trucks.
Sources3 sources
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