What is the real name of Mater in Pixar's Cars?

The story behind the answer

Mater's real name in Pixar's Cars is Tow Mater.

The character is commonly called Mater, a friendly tow truck who lives in Radiator Springs. His name is a pun on “tomater,” an informal pronunciation of “tomato,” while his occupation explains the “Tow” part of Tow Mater.

Mater becomes Lightning McQueen's closest friend after Lightning arrives in town. He introduces Lightning to local life, helps him understand the residents, and remains loyal even when Lightning initially treats Radiator Springs as an obstacle.

Mater is voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, whose performance emphasizes the character's enthusiastic storytelling and comic timing. Although Mater is not a spy, Cars 2 places him at the center of the espionage story after secret agents mistake his accidental observations for deliberate undercover work.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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