In Pixar's Cars, who voices Mater, the rusty tow truck from Radiator Springs?

In Pixar's Cars, Larry the Cable Guy voices Mater, the rusty tow truck from Radiator Springs.

Mater is a major comic character who befriends Lightning McQueen after Lightning is ordered to remain in town. His informal speech, tall tales, and enthusiastic personality contrast with Lightning's competitive self-image.

Larry the Cable Guy is the stage name of comedian Daniel Lawrence Whitney. His performance gave Mater a distinctive Southern-flavored comic voice, and the character became important enough to receive a central role in the later Cars films and a spin-off series of short episodes.

Mater is inspired by the phrase “tomater,” a pronunciation joke used in the film, and by the visual idea of an old tow truck. His rusty appearance is not treated as a sign of low importance: he becomes one of Lightning's most loyal friends.