In Pixar’s Cars, what species of vehicle is Mater?

In Pixar’s Cars, Mater is a tow truck.

Mater is the rusty, blue-gray tow truck who lives in Radiator Springs and quickly becomes Lightning McQueen’s closest friend. His full name is commonly given as Tow Mater, a pun on the phrase “tomato.” He runs the local towing business and enjoys telling exaggerated stories about his past adventures.

Although Mater is not a race car, his mechanical knowledge, confidence, and loyalty make him essential to the story. His friendship with McQueen helps the champion understand that personal value is not measured only by speed, trophies, or fame.

The character’s design was inspired by real tow trucks and roadside vehicles encountered during research for Cars. Mater later became the central character of the short-form series Mater’s Tall Tales and appeared prominently in Cars 2 and Cars 3. He is voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, whose performance shaped Mater’s distinctive comic personality.