On June 9, 2006, Cars, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Disney, had its premiere in the United States, and landed in mainland China on August 22 of the same year. Directed by John Lasseter, this animated film tells the story of racer McQueen who realizes "the meaning of life beyond speed" when he gets lost, grossing $460 million worldwide.

           As a commemorative work for Pixar's 20th anniversary, the film uses anthropomorphic racing cars to explore growth and inheritance. The friendship between McQueen and Mater has become a classic symbol. Its derivative series has continued to this day, and it has even boosted tourism on Route 66. It was rated by Time magazine as "one of the most commercially valuable animated IPs in the 21st century".