The Pixar film Cars introduced Mater, the rusty tow truck from Radiator Springs.
Mater is one of the first residents Lightning McQueen meets after arriving in town. He is friendly, energetic, and proud of his towing work, even though his battered appearance makes him look much older than the modern race cars. His country humor and loyalty quickly make him McQueen’s closest friend.
Larry the Cable Guy voices Mater in Cars and the later feature films. The character’s name is a shortened form of “tomater,” reflecting the franchise’s habit of giving cars names related to vehicles, roads, or automotive language. Mater’s design was inspired by real tow trucks and roadside vehicles rather than by a high-performance racing model.
Mater becomes especially prominent in Cars 2, where his accidental involvement in espionage makes him a major viewpoint character. He also appears in the Cars Toons short-film series and in Cars 3, but his introduction and friendship with McQueen begin in the 2006 film Cars.