Verra Mobility’s AutoKinex® Virtual Agent Named “Automotive Infotainment Innovation of the Year” in 2026 AutoTech Breakthrough Awards

In-vehicle technology helps rental operators capture ancillary revenue while delivering a seamless, counter-free experience

Verra Mobility’s AutoKinex® Virtual Agent has been named “Automotive Infotainment Innovation of the Year” in the seventh annual AutoTech Breakthrough Awards. The program, conducted by AutoTech Breakthrough, recognizes leading companies, technologies, and products across the global automotive and transportation technology markets.

AutoKinex® Virtual Agent transforms a rental vehicle’s infotainment system into a digital service and commerce channel, allowing renters to review their reservation and add services directly from the vehicle.

Once the car starts, the agent can guide renters through options such as all-inclusive tolling, prepaid fuel and protection coverage, while contextual prompts throughout the trip surface relevant services such as parking and EV charging when they are most useful. 

For rental operators, the technology addresses a growing challenge created by counter-bypass programs: delivering a faster pickup experience without losing opportunities to offer ancillary services. By moving those interactions into the vehicle, the agent helps operators capture incremental revenue while reducing counter congestion and staff workload. 

Built on Verra Mobility’s AutoKinex® connected vehicle payments platform, Virtual Agent integrates with rental operators’ existing systems and can scale across fleets without additional hardware or a disruptive rollout. Verra Mobility already processes tolling and connected payments at scale for many of North America’s largest rental car brands, and now extends that infrastructure directly into the vehicle. 

 “Renters increasingly expect a fast, digital experience that doesn’t require a stop at the counter, but that shift has created a real revenue challenge for rental operators,” said Cathi Chinn, vice president of innovation, Verra Mobility. “AutoKinex® Virtual Agent brings those interactions directly into the vehicle, giving renters a more convenient experience to procure the services they value most while helping operators capture ancillary revenue they might otherwise lose. This recognition from AutoTech Breakthrough validates the opportunity we see to make the connected vehicle a more valuable part of the rental experience.” 

 The mission of the annual AutoTech Breakthrough Awards program is to recognize innovators transforming the global automotive and mobility landscape. The program evaluates companies and technologies across areas including autonomous driving, connected vehicle software, AI-driven safety systems, fleet and telematics technology, electrification and other emerging transportation technologies. 

 “AutoKinex® Virtual Agent brings essential rental interactions into the vehicle, helping companies streamline operations while delivering a connected, frictionless experience. Counter-bypass programs have made rental vehicle pickup faster, but they've also made upselling ancillary services like insurance more difficult. However, most renters would pay more for a vehicle with connected services,” said Bryan Vaughn, managing director, AutoTech Breakthrough. “AutoKinex® Virtual Agent gives that counter experience back, moving it inside the vehicle. From tolling to fueling and protection, the new technology turns missed opportunities into seamless, revenue-generating interactions - while also enhancing customer convenience. We’re awarding Verra Mobility ‘Automotive Infotainment Innovation of the Year.’”