HERNDON, Va. -

In some good news that the luxury brand can likely use to highlight its lineup’s durability, Audi revealed earlier this week that two Minnesota men — each of whom owns a different model from the brand — have both reached a rather rare vehicle mileage landmark.

Over the years, Don deChambeau, of St. Cloud, and Don Nygaard, of Roseville, have certainly put some miles on the respective Audis they bought from the Maplewood Audi store near the Twin Cities area.

More than 300,000 miles each, to be more precise.

"We’re so pleased that two Audi owners have enjoyed quality performance out of their Audi vehicles for more than a decade and over 300,000 miles," stated Joe Stifter, manager of Maplewood Audi.

deChambeau bought his 2001 Audi TT in 2001 and has since driven it more than 346,193 miles, Audi indicated. The 63-year-old commercial printing salesman has used the TT in his daily commute from St. Cloud to St. Paul, which has spanned more than 150 miles each day, on average.

What hooked deChambeau into the brand was a driving an Audi rental during a family vacation.

“I drive the car year-round. It’s a perfect car for Minnesota because of the quattro feature and good gas mileage. It’s a car that’s made for this part of the world," said deChambeau.

“Out here in Minnesota we use a lot of road salt — but, there’s not a bit of rust on my TT,” he added. “I’ve had other cars in the past where the bodies go before the engine does because of salt, but not the TT.”

Meanwhile, Nygaard’s 1998 Audi A4 has surpassed 301,600 miles. Nygaard, who is retired, made frequent long-distance trips in his job as a civil engineer and said no Midwestern winter storm would stop him.

The 74-year-old said that he became interested in Audi vehicles in the late 1990s after talking with a neighbor who was an Audi owner and enthusiast and happened to be a fellow engineer.

“My neighbor was an Audi lover and took me for a few rides. He said, ‘You really need to try one. They are great in this Minnesota weather,’” Nygaard said of the mechanical engineer with whom he chatted.

“Being an engineer myself, I related to the performance aspect of the vehicle and the quattro system; Audi is really a car for people who like to drive. In the Twin Cities, especially with the weather, the quattro is the way to go.”

He continued: "The quattro is outstanding in the snow. That’s why I’ve piled up so many miles on the car. I’ve never had an accident. I still have the original engine and original transmission. All those trips to Duluth — I never once not made it, no matter how bad the storm!"

Moving along, the news from Audi also puts the Maplewood dealership’s service department in a good light. According to Audi, each of the two men has stayed true to the recommended service schedule and has taken their rides only to Maplewood Audi for service.

“The next magical mark is 400,000,” deChambeau shared. “I’m going to find out if I can make it.

“Besides, my grandson wants to drive it once he gets his license,” deChambeau added. “He says it’s ‘hot.’”