The fire truck character in Radiator Springs is named Red.
Red is the town’s resident fire truck and one of Radiator Springs’ quieter community members. He is easily recognized by his large red body, expressive eyes, and shy, emotional personality. Although he does not speak much, his reactions and friendships make him a memorable background character.
Red is not the town sheriff, military vehicle, or hippie van. Sheriff is the police car, Sarge is the World War II-era Army Jeep, and Fillmore is the Volkswagen Type 2-inspired organic-fuel enthusiast. These characters all live in Radiator Springs, which makes the options easy to confuse.
The character’s design is based on a 1960 Seagrave 1000/500 D/M Pumper engine. Red’s role also fits the town’s old-fashioned civic atmosphere: he is both a working emergency vehicle and part of the close-knit local community.