In Pixar's Cars 2, what is Mater's role in the international spy story?

In Pixar's Cars 2, Mater becomes a secret agent in the international spy story.

Mater is mistaken for an American spy by British agent Finn McMissile and intelligence agent Holley Shiftwell. His accidental involvement pulls him into a plot surrounding the World Grand Prix, a mysterious energy source, and a group of criminals seeking to discredit alternative fuel.

The role creates the film's central comic contrast. Mater has no formal espionage training, yet his apparent foolishness sometimes helps him notice details that trained agents overlook. Cars 2 therefore combines racing with a spy-film structure, rather than focusing only on McQueen's personal development. Mater remains a tow truck throughout; “secret agent” describes his temporary adventure role.