Who is revealed as the hidden villain in Pixar's Cars 2?

Miles Axlerod is revealed as the hidden villain in Pixar's Cars 2.

Axlerod presents himself as a wealthy former oil baron who has converted to electric power. He organizes the World Grand Prix and promotes Allinol, a supposedly clean alternative fuel. The film later reveals that he is secretly behind the plot to discredit Allinol and cause international chaos.

His scheme depends on electromagnetic devices that make cars using Allinol appear to malfunction or explode. The goal is to make the world reject alternative fuel and return to petroleum-based energy, protecting the value of his own oil interests.

Cars 2 shifts the series toward an international spy adventure. Mater becomes involved after being mistaken for an American secret agent, while Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell investigate the conspiracy. Axlerod's identity is distinct from Professor Zündapp, who serves as another major antagonist.