Mater becomes involved in international espionage after traveling with Lightning McQueen in Pixar’s Cars 2.
Mater visits the World Grand Prix with McQueen and is mistaken for an American spy. His accidental involvement brings him into contact with secret agents Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell. Although Mater is an ordinary tow truck from Radiator Springs, his honesty and unusual behavior help him uncover the film’s conspiracy.
Larry the Cable Guy voices Mater. The character’s comic role expands considerably in Cars 2, which divides its attention between McQueen’s international races and Mater’s spy adventure.
Mater’s plot is sometimes remembered as a racing story only, but the film deliberately combines sports, comedy, and espionage. The World Grand Prix races take place in Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London, giving Mater’s journey an international setting.