Larry the Cable Guy voices Mater in Pixar's Cars films.
Mater is a rusty tow truck from Radiator Springs and becomes Lightning McQueen's closest friend. His full name is Tow Mater, a pun on the phrase “tomato.” Mater is cheerful, loyal, and quick to tell exaggerated stories, including tales about his supposed exploits as a skilled backwards driver.
Larry the Cable Guy is the stage name of comedian Daniel Lawrence Whitney. His Southern-accented comic delivery became a defining part of Mater's personality. Mater appears in all three main Cars films and also stars in the short-form series Mater's Tall Tales.
Mater is sometimes mistaken for the franchise's main character because of his popularity and prominent supporting roles. However, Lightning McQueen remains the central protagonist of the feature-film series. Mater's design was inspired by old tow trucks, and his friendship with McQueen is one of the first film's main emotional developments.