The tow truck in the Cars movies is Mater, whose full name is Tow Mater. He lives in Radiator Springs, owns Tow Mater Towing and Salvage, and becomes Lightning McQueen’s loyal best friend in the first film.
Mater is a rusty, cheerful truck whose humor comes from his friendliness, tall tales, and complete lack of embarrassment. His signature skill is driving backward with remarkable precision. In Cars, he helps Lightning understand the importance of friendship and community after the race car is forced to remain in Radiator Springs.
The character’s name is a pun on “tomato.” Pixar director John Lasseter encountered NASCAR fan Douglas “Mater” Keever during research in North Carolina. Keever explained that his nickname sounded like “tomato” without the first syllable, and that idea inspired “Tow Mater.” Mater returns in Cars 2 and Cars 3, and is voiced in the main films by Larry the Cable Guy.