In Pixar's Cars 2, Miles Axlerod is the oil baron secretly behind the race conspiracy.
Axlerod presents himself as the organizer of the World Grand Prix and a supporter of Allinol, a supposedly clean alternative fuel. Behind that public image, he uses electromagnetic pulses to make Allinol-powered cars malfunction during races, creating fear about alternative fuel.
His plan is intended to restore demand for petroleum and protect the oil industry. The sabotage also targets racers and intelligence operatives who might expose the scheme. Mater eventually recognizes that Axlerod is the mastermind after clues connect the fuel failures with the attacks.
Axlerod is voiced by Eddie Izzard in the English-language version. The character is not the same as Professor Zündapp, the German scientist who helps carry out the conspiracy. Axlerod's apparent transformation from a record-breaking driver to an oil magnate is part of his cover story.