Which villain secretly organizes the conspiracy in Pixar's Cars 2?

Miles Axlerod secretly organizes the conspiracy in Pixar's Cars 2.

Axlerod presents himself as a self-made former oil tycoon who has converted to electric power. He creates the World Grand Prix and promotes Allinol, a new fuel advertised as environmentally friendly. Behind that public image, he is revealed to be the mastermind of the plot targeting racers and discrediting alternative fuel.

The character's scheme helps explain why Cars 2 combines racing with espionage. Professor Zündapp and the lemon cars carry out important parts of the operation, but Axlerod occupies the highest position in the conspiracy. His reveal also recontextualizes the competition's sponsorship and the danger surrounding the racers.

A frequent mix-up is naming Professor Zündapp as the main villain. Zündapp is a major antagonist and inventor, while Axlerod is the hidden organizer. Eddie Izzard provides Axlerod's voice in the film, which was released in 2011.