In Pixar's Cars, Lightning McQueen's rusty but loyal tow-truck friend is Mater.
Mater meets Lightning after the race car arrives in Radiator Springs. He is enthusiastic, talkative, and eager to show Lightning around town, even though Lightning initially treats him dismissively. Mater's friendship helps Lightning become more considerate and connected to the community.
Mater is voiced by comedian Larry the Cable Guy, whose performance gives the character a distinctive rural American comic style. The tow truck's design was inspired by old utility vehicles, including a weathered appearance and a missing front panel. Mater returns as a major character in Cars 2 and Cars 3 and also leads the animated television series Cars Toons: Mater's Tall Tales. His name is a pun on “tomater,” a colloquial pronunciation of tomato.