China mulls consumption tax hike on autos

The Chinese government could raise its car consumption tax on luxury vehicles with high emissions, officials say.

Sources at the State Administration of Taxation say the agency has held multiple discussions on the consumption tax increase, Xinhua, China's state-run news agency, reported Saturday.

At a meeting this week, government officials met and called on the country's auto industry to curb gas consumption.

China Automobile Trading Co. Ltd. figures say from January to May 26, about 992 large-model cars were imported, while sport utility vehicle imports in the first five months surged 91.3 percent over the same period last year.

A Chrysler dealer in Guangzhou said the possible tax increased was aimed at pushing potential buyers to make their planned purchases.