Killing Groups

[Imp]

I keep on trying modern tactics with WW2 kit and expecting WW2 like encounters when I play with mordern kit.

I am not saying they don't work but full credit to the game it is harder to be effective with old gear due to a few factors like speed & radios. As the AI buys a more regular force it tends to be infantry heavy so you face a lot of them to try & out manouver.
Remember the motorcar was still quite new even supposedly well equiped armies mainly walked or used mules or if lucky trucks to carry the equipment.
From books I have read the norm for example for a German Armoured unit on the Eatern front so a well equiped in vehicles formation. According to there Commanders they normally only had 2/3rds of there mobile force available at any one time the rest were in R&R due to damage or breakdown. So commiting transport vehicles to the front line was generally avoided there worth was deemed far more effective moving men & equipment so they were as "fresh" as possible for the next battle rather than having just walked carrying equipment.
Also over time units often became a real mix of equipment as replacement vehicles tended to be whatever had come of the production line & made it to the front.