Ford Motor (NYSE:F)’s China business, including exports from the country, made $900 million in earnings before interest and taxes last year, one of the automaker’s top executives said Wednesday.

John Lawler, Ford’s vice chair and former chief financial officer, gave a rare glimpse into the automaker’s earnings in the country, where it has been restructuring to better compete with domestic car companies.

"When you look at our China business, we’ve already changed how we approach it and how we learn from our partners," Lawler said at an analyst conference, speaking of Ford’s joint ventures in the region.

Lawler, along with Ford CEO Jim Farley, have lauded the Chinese carmakers for their speed, advanced software and cost efficiency.