From September 1, China is raising its sales tax on big cars to as high as 40 percent, and drastically cutting taxes on small cars, in its latest attempt to combat emissions that contribute to heavy blankets of smog over most of its cities.

　　The tax on passenger vehicles with engines bigger than 4 liters will be doubled to 40 percent from 20 percent. Those buying vehicles with engines sized from 2 liters up to 4 liters will have to pay a 25 percent tax, up from the current 15 percent, it said.

　　The sales tax for cars with engines at or smaller than 1 liter would drop to 1 percent from the current 3 percent, the Finance Ministry said. Tax rates of 5 percent to 9 percent for vehicles with other-sized engines remain unchanged.