The bus - ME1 arrived in Hong Kong in 1983 and was the first non-British/Commonwealth bus to be granted permission to operate in the colony. It was demonstrated to various Hong Kong bus operators prior to entering service with Kowloon Motor Bus on 1st August. Special dispensation was also given by the Hong Kong Transport Department, as the vehicle weighed over the 16 tonnes limit set for two axle vehicles. As a result, seating was reduced. It differed from the later production models in that it featured a shallower windscreen, a rather plain front lower panel with rectangular headlights, a smaller front destination screen and half-height sliding side windows.