Mater is the truck who becomes Lightning McQueen’s best friend in Pixar’s Cars.
Mater is a rusty tow truck living in Radiator Springs. He meets Lightning after the race car is ordered to repair the town’s damaged road. Mater’s friendliness, humor, and enthusiasm gradually overcome Lightning’s initial impatience, and the two develop the franchise’s central friendship.
Mater’s full name is commonly given as Sir Tow Mater, a pun on the word “tomater.” His design was inspired in part by old tow trucks and by a truck Lasseter encountered while researching Route 66. Larry the Cable Guy voices Mater in the English-language films.
Mater returns as a major character in Cars 2, where he becomes involved in an international spy adventure, and in Cars 3. He also appears in the animated short series Cars Toons: Mater’s Tall Tales. His role expands well beyond comic relief because he repeatedly shows loyalty and courage.