In Pixar's Cars 2, Mater is mistaken for an international spy.
Mater is Lightning McQueen's best friend and a rusty tow truck from Radiator Springs. During the World Grand Prix, his awkward behavior causes British agent Finn McMissile to believe that Mater is an undercover operative. Mater is then drawn into an espionage adventure despite having no spy training.
The misunderstanding drives much of Cars 2's plot. Mater meets Holley Shiftwell, receives intelligence-related instructions, and investigates a conspiracy connected with the alternative fuel Allinol. His ordinary knowledge of cars and his unconventional thinking repeatedly help him, even though he misunderstands the language of espionage.
Cars 2 shifts the franchise's focus from small-town racing and personal growth toward international action and spy-film conventions. Mater's friendship with McQueen remains central, however. The movie ultimately shows that Mater's loyalty and honesty are more important than the mistaken glamorous identity assigned to him.