Which automobile manufacturer is associated with Mater's original tow-truck design in Pixar's Cars?

International Harvester is associated with Mater's original tow-truck design in Pixar's Cars.

Mater is a rusty tow truck and Lightning McQueen's closest friend in the Cars series. His visual design is based largely on a 1951 International Harvester boom truck, giving him a distinctive heavy-duty shape rather than the streamlined appearance of the race cars.

The design was developed from real vehicles observed during research for the film. Mater's weathered body, missing panels, and mismatched appearance support his role as Radiator Springs' informal tow operator and comic storyteller.

Mater is not simply a branded production vehicle reproduced exactly on screen. He is a fictional character whose design combines features from real tow trucks. This is why references may describe him as being based on an International Harvester while also noting additional influences. Larry the Cable Guy provides Mater's voice.