Mater is the rusty tow truck from Radiator Springs in Pixar's Cars films.
Mater is Lightning McQueen's closest friend in the series. He works as the town's tow truck and is known for his exaggerated stories, cheerful personality and distinctive Southern-style speech. When Lightning first arrives in Radiator Springs, Mater eagerly befriends him even though Lightning initially treats the town and its residents as obstacles.
The character's full name is Sir Tow Mater, a pun on the phrase “tomater” and the word “tow.” His design is based on a heavily weathered tow truck, with mismatched panels, a buckled hood and a missing front tooth. Mater's appearance contrasts with Lightning's polished racing body and helps emphasize the different values of the two characters.
Mater becomes more prominent in Cars 2, where his accidental involvement with spies makes him central to the international plot. He also appears in Cars 3 and leads the television series Cars on the Road.