CARS 2 - JOHN LASSETIRE character debut!

In celebration of Pixar's 25th anniversary, animators surprised animation chief John Lasseter with his own character for Cars 2. His character is a yellow pick-up truck named John Lassetire.

Lasseter, who is serving as director on the film had this to say about the character:

"It was news to me. I did not know about that, so I was a little surprised. I ended up voicing this character. It was just one line, but now I have a 'Cars' character. I'm very excited about that. He's a good ol' American pick-up truck, which I think is very appropriate for John Lassetire."

Lassetire is the pit crew chief for a high-profile race car in the sequel. The film is set for release on June 24 and follows Lightning McQueen and his tow truck friend Mater set off on an around-the-world adventure. 

Here is the official synopsis of the film:

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car.  But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.  Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile (voice of Michael Caine) and the stunning spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell (voice of Emily Mortimer).  Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world.  The fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-car cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors.