BMW and HP have unveiled prototype technology to put a wireless network into a car for executives who need to do business on the move.

At HP's enterprise event ENSA@Work this week, the German car manufacturer showed off the results of its collaboration to provide access to online services via mobile devices linked to an in-car wireless large area network (Lan).

The wireless Lan hardware is stored in the boot of the BMW 7-Series, to create an 802.11 network running a virtual private network.

The network connects to a printer and PC notebook in the back seats that can be folded away into the central armrest when not in use.

HP said the product was aimed at executives, politicians and diplomats, but said it would have wider applications for emergency services that might need to access information on the move.

One such example could see police issuing speeding tickets at source, linking directly with their central IT infrastructure for sending out penalty notices.

The product is likely to be commercially available later this year.