Mater is the rusty tow truck in Pixar’s Cars movies.
Mater is Lightning McQueen’s closest friend in the series. He lives in Radiator Springs and is known for his enthusiastic personality, tall tales, practical jokes, and strong loyalty. His name is a shortened form of “tomater,” reflecting the character’s country-style speech and humor.
Larry the Cable Guy provides Mater’s voice in the feature films. The character’s design was influenced by old tow trucks, particularly a 1951 International Harvester boom truck and other vintage work vehicles. His weathered appearance contrasts with Lightning McQueen’s sleek racing design.
Mater has a major role in all three Cars films. Cars 2 gives him the central comic storyline, as he becomes involved in an international spy adventure. He also stars in Mater’s Tall Tales, a series of Pixar shorts built around his exaggerated stories.