Which character is the tow truck in Pixar’s Cars?

Mater is the tow truck character in Pixar’s Cars. He lives in Radiator Springs and quickly becomes Lightning McQueen’s closest friend after McQueen arrives in town.

Mater is a rusty, humorous tow truck with a strong local identity. His name is a shortened form of “tow mater,” a pun on “tomato.” He enjoys telling stories, showing McQueen around town, and participating in activities such as tractor tipping. Despite his comic personality, Mater is loyal, perceptive, and important to McQueen’s emotional growth.

The character was voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, whose performance helped establish Mater’s distinctive Southern-influenced speech and enthusiastic manner. Mater’s friendship with McQueen contrasts with McQueen’s early focus on fame, sponsorship, and winning.

Mater is sometimes confused with Guido, the small Italian forklift, or Sheriff, Radiator Springs’ law-enforcement vehicle. Mater is specifically the town’s tow truck, and his tow-yard home is one of the recognizable locations in Radiator Springs.