Which villainous professor leads the plot against alternative fuel in Pixar's Cars 2?

Professor Zündapp leads the plot against alternative fuel in Pixar's Cars 2. He is an evil German scientist who works with the film's wider group of conspirators.

The scheme targets cars using Allinol, a new alternative fuel promoted during the World Grand Prix. The conspirators use electromagnetic attacks to make the fuel appear dangerous, hoping to discredit alternative energy and restore demand for petroleum-based fuel.

Professor Zündapp is part of the film's spy-thriller structure, which places Mater alongside British agents Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell. His name is a reference to the German motorcycle manufacturer Zündapp, continuing Pixar's practice of giving vehicles playful real-world associations.

The character is voiced by Thomas Kretschmann. He should not be confused with Miles Axlerod, the former oil baron whose public role and hidden motives are also central to the conspiracy.