What type of vehicle is Pixar's character Mater?

Mater is a tow truck in Pixar's Cars films.

Mater is Lightning McQueen's best friend and a central resident of Radiator Springs. His full name is Sir Tow Mater, a pun on the phrase “tomater,” and his job is towing disabled vehicles with the equipment mounted on his rear.

The character is portrayed as rusty, enthusiastic, loyal, and often comic. Although Mater lacks Lightning's racing experience, his observations and unconventional ideas repeatedly help move the story forward. Cars 2 gives him an especially prominent role by placing him at the center of the spy plot.

Mater is sometimes mistaken for a pickup truck because of his front shape and open rear area. His defining feature is the towing apparatus, which identifies him as a tow truck. Larry the Cable Guy provides Mater's voice in the main Cars films and related productions.