In Pixar’s Cars, Lightning McQueen’s friendly tow truck companion is Mater.
Mater is a rusty tow truck who lives in Radiator Springs and quickly becomes McQueen’s closest friend. He introduces McQueen to the town, takes him tractor-tipping, and helps him understand the value of the residents he initially dismisses.
The name Mater is a shortened pronunciation of “tomater,” a playful reference to the word “tomato.” In the English version, the character is voiced by comedian Larry the Cable Guy, whose accent and comic timing helped make Mater one of Pixar’s most recognizable supporting characters.
Mater returns as a major character in Cars 2, where his enthusiasm and misunderstandings accidentally place him at the center of an international spy plot. He also appears in Cars 3, the Cars Toons shorts, and other franchise material. His friendship with McQueen remains a central emotional link across the series.