In the Transformers cartoon series, Rodimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots after Optimus Prime is killed.

Rodimus Prime was once the young and impulsive Autobot warrior known as Hot Rod. In Transformers The Movie, Hot Rod is inadvertantly responsible for the death of Optimus Prime. But later, when Hot Rod reclaims the Autobot Matrix of Leadership from Galvatron, it unlocks--revealing Hot Rod as the true heir to Autobot leadership. Placing the Autobot Matrix of Leadership inside his chest, Hot Rod changed form both physically and mentally. Rodimus is stronger and more mature than Hot Rod, but some of the hot-headed tendencies of his old self still show through.

Rodumus Prime can transform into a futuristic car and trailer type vehicle (sort of like Optimus Prime). He can achieve land speeds of 200 mph.

Rodimus Prime had his doubts about his abilities as leader; he never thought he could be as good a leader as Optimus Prime. In some ways, he was right, since Transformers fans never liked him as much as Optimus.

But soon enough, Optimus Prime would be resurrected. Rodimus Prime gave the Matrix back to Optimus, thus reverting back to Hot Rod.