Miles Axlerod is secretly the mastermind behind the spy conspiracy in Pixar’s Cars 2.
Axlerod presents himself as a former oil magnate who became an environmental campaigner and created the World Grand Prix to promote Allinol. His public image makes him appear to support cleaner fuel and international cooperation.
The investigation led by Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell reveals that Axlerod is actually responsible for the plot. He uses the races and a device that causes Allinol-powered cars to malfunction, intending to discredit the fuel and restore dependence on oil.
Axlerod’s reveal is separate from the film’s comic misunderstanding involving Mater. The story deliberately hides the villain in plain sight by placing him at the center of the event as its seemingly benevolent organizer.