Mater is recruited as an international spy in Pixar's Cars 2.
Mater becomes involved after being mistaken for an experienced American agent during the World Grand Prix events. British spy Finn McMissile and intelligence agent Holley Shiftwell draw him into an investigation involving the races, a mysterious alternative fuel, and attacks on competitors.
The sequel gives Mater a much larger role than he had in Cars. His mistaken identity creates the film's main comedy, while his apparently accidental observations help reveal important parts of the conspiracy.
Mater remains Lightning McQueen's best friend, but he is not the racer representing McQueen in the World Grand Prix. Finn McMissile is the trained spy; Mater is the tow truck whose honesty and unconventional behavior make him unexpectedly useful.