It was in the 1970’s that the French Army was searching for an alternative to the Berliet-made GBC models, when Berliet launched their GBD variant. But they did not meet the expectations of the army after several tests, and the contract was given to Saviem for their SM8 model.

Berliet soon decided to launch these 4x4s in the commercial segment with their 6-cylinder 180 hp engine model. This model was popular as fire tenders.