What is Mater's actual full name in Pixar's Cars?

Mater's actual full name in Pixar's Cars is Tow Mater.

Tow Mater is a rusty tow truck from Radiator Springs and Lightning McQueen's best friend. His name is a pun on the phrase “tow mater,” which sounds like “tomato” when spoken in a Southern American accent. The character is usually called simply Mater throughout the films.

Mater is known for his friendliness, storytelling, and complete lack of embarrassment about his unusual appearance. In Cars 2, his curiosity and accidental involvement in an international espionage plot make him central to the story. His voice was performed by comedian Larry the Cable Guy, whose catchphrases and delivery became closely associated with the character.

The character is sometimes incorrectly given a made-up surname or treated as if Mater were only a nickname. Tow Mater is the canonical full name used by Pixar. The design was inspired by old tow trucks, including International Harvester and Chevrolet Advance-Design influences, rather than one single exact production model.