Mater

Cheerful airheaded tow truck

A cheerful and airheaded tow truck. Active as the best friend of race car McQueen.

Quotes

  • That's a tow job!
  • He's my friend, no doubt!
  • Tractors are friends!
  • Life is meant to be enjoyed!
  • McQueen, wait up!

Trivia

  • The name Mater can also mean 'mother' in English.
  • Voice actor Larry the Cable Guy comes from a comedy background.
  • Mater's character incorporates a typical Southern American dialect.
  • One of the popular mascots in the Cars series.
  • Regular appearances in many sequels and shorts since the debut work.

Alternate names

Mater Uncle Mater Tow Truck Mater

Tags

Disney Pixar Cars Tow Truck Friendly Comedy Best Friend Cheerful Animation CG Animation

Find Mater goods

Profile

Species
Tow Truck
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
A weathered brown tow truck with a rounded body and a big smile as its features. The front grille looks like teeth.
Eye color
Brown
Distinguishing features
  • Rusted dent on the left front
  • Large front grille like buck teeth
  • Round large headlights
  • Tow arm equipped on the back
  • Two antennas sticking up
Iconic items
  • Tow arm
  • Brown body color
  • Easygoing smile
  • Trailer-style rearview mirror
  • Large headlights

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Cheerful
Detailed personality
Extremely cheerful and approachable, with a natural airheaded side. Cares deeply for best friends and is honest, always viewing things positively. Overflowing with humor.
Keywords
  • Airhead
  • Cheerful
  • Friendly
  • Honest
  • Best Friend-oriented
  • Humor
  • Optimistic
  • Simple-hearted
Motto
True friends are always by your side
Talents
  • Good at tinkering with machines
  • Tow truck operation skills
  • Quick-witted
  • Patient
  • Loud voice
Skills
  • Vehicle towing
  • Danger detection ability
  • Race support
  • Makes friends easily with people
  • Trouble response
Motivation
To spend fun times with McQueen and friends, and help everyone
Habits
Often spaces out, but his natural airheadedness makes those around him laugh. Speaks with a unique Southern drawl.
Favorite foods
Tomato soup, Barbecue, Hot dog, Lemonade, Cornbread
Hobbies
Tow truck work, Fishing, Barbecue, Playing with everyone in the square
Favorite colors
Brown, Blue, Yellow
Disliked situations
Lying, Ignoring friends in trouble, Loneliness
Disliked weather
Storms, Thunderstorms

History

Backstory
As an old-fashioned tow truck that had been working for many years, he meets the protagonist McQueen and becomes best friends. Grows while interacting with everyone in the rural town of Radiator Springs.
Debut date
June 9, 2006
Work title
Cars
Media type
Movie

Meeting with McQueen

Significant event
Meeting with McQueen
Description
Meets the energetic rookie racer McQueen and immediately forms a strong bond as best friends.

Interactions with Radiator Springs residents

Significant event
Interactions with Radiator Springs residents
Description
Becomes friends with the town residents and plays the role of conveying the town's charm to McQueen.

Participating in the race

Significant event
Participating in the race
Description
In 'Cars 2', gets involved in a spy mission but performs outstandingly, demonstrating new charms and talents.

Relationships

Lightning McQueen

Best friend

First met in the Cars film, nurturing an unwavering friendship

Sally

Friendly

Deepens bonds as fellow Radiator Springs residents

Luigi

Teammate

Cooperates together in the development of Radiator Springs

Guido

Teammate

Always forms a friendly duo to provide support

Radiator Springs residents

Radiator Springs residents: moodmaker

Media appearances

Cars

Movie / Supporting

2006 movie

Cars 2

Movie / Protagonist

2011 movie

Cars 3

Movie / Supporting

2017 movie

Cars Toons

Anime / Protagonist

2010s and later

Voice cast and creators

Kenta Miyake

Voice actor
Kenta Miyake
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Movie version
Notes
Representative voice actor for the Japanese dub

Larry the Cable Guy

Voice actor
Larry the Cable Guy
Language
English
Version or series
Original movie version
Notes
Voice actor for the character's English version

John Lasseter

Creator name
John Lasseter
Role
Original author

Pixar Animation Studios

Creator name
Pixar Animation Studios
Role
Animation studio

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Creator name
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Mater mini car figure

Item name
Mater mini car figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Mater plush toy

Item name
Mater plush toy
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Find Mater goods