The Pixar film Cars introduced Mater.
Mater is a rusty tow truck who lives in Radiator Springs and quickly becomes Lightning McQueen’s closest friend. He is known for his exaggerated storytelling, enthusiasm, and distinctive southern-inspired speech. Larry the Cable Guy provided Mater’s English voice.
The character was inspired partly by a real tow truck observed during research for the film. His design uses weathered metal, mismatched details, and a missing front tooth to communicate his age and cheerful personality without making him unappealing to children.
Mater returned as a major character in Cars 2 and Cars 3. He is also the lead character in the 2022 Disney+ series Cars on the Road. Planes belongs to a related spin-off franchise, but Mater first appeared in the 2006 film Cars.