Miles Axlerod is revealed as the secret mastermind behind the international plot in Pixar’s Cars 2.
Axlerod is introduced as a former oil tycoon who claims to have converted himself into an electric vehicle. He organizes the World Grand Prix and promotes Allinol, a new alternative fuel, while appearing to support cleaner transportation.
The film later reveals that Axlerod is actually behind the attacks connected to the race. His plan uses the broadcast effects of Allinol to make the fuel appear dangerous, damaging public confidence in alternative energy and protecting the interests of oil-dependent cars.
Professor Zündapp is an important accomplice, but he is not the mastermind. Finn McMissile is a British spy, while Francesco Bernoulli is a rival racer. These characters are central to the plot, which explains why the villain’s identity is easy to mix up.