Nicholas Cugnot was a French engineer and inventor, best known for creating one of the first full-scale working steam-powered vehicles in the late 18th century. Born in 1725, he designed a three-wheeled vehicle in 1769 that could carry passengers and was powered by a steam engine. This invention is often considered a precursor to modern automobiles. Cugnot's vehicle, however, had limitations, including a short operating time and difficulty in steering. Despite these challenges, his work laid the groundwork for future developments in automotive technology. Cugnot passed away in 1804, but his contributions to engineering remain significant in the history of transportation.