As of Nov 30, vehicle purchase tax in Pingtan, Fujian province, had accumulated to 53.6 million yuan ($8.6 million) in 2014, a staggering 280 percent increase, or 39 million yuan, year on year, the local State Tax Bureau said on Dec 15.

The growth is attributed to rising wealth, and a stringent standard on electric motorbikes, said the bureau.

Also, Pingtan was authorized to issue vehicle plates this year, which benefits new local car owners who have to travel to Fuzhou city to buy plates and pay purchase tax.