In Pixar’s Cars 2, which villain leads the plot to discredit alternative fuel?

Miles Axlerod leads the plot to discredit alternative fuel in Pixar’s Cars 2.

Miles Axlerod is introduced as a former oil baron who claims to have transformed himself into an electric vehicle. He creates the World Grand Prix to promote Allinol, a supposedly clean alternative fuel. In reality, the fuel and the race are connected to a conspiracy designed to make alternative energy appear dangerous.

The plan uses electromagnetic weapons to trigger explosions in cars running on Allinol. By causing spectacular failures during the World Grand Prix, Axlerod hopes to damage public confidence in alternative fuel and protect the importance of petroleum.

Axlerod’s true identity is revealed near the end of the film. Finn McMissile is the investigating spy, not the villain, while Professor Zündapp assists the conspiracy. The plot gives Cars 2 a spy-thriller structure rather than the small-town focus of the first film.