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.

[2] 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 598 was turbocharged and had a maximum power output of 127 kW (170 hp) and a torque of 454 N⋅m (335 lb⋅ft).

[6] The J range had a suspension of leaf springs with dampers and anti-roll bars at the front and rear.