I do believe this idea of increasing vehicles efficiency is already incorporated in the game.
If you pay close attention to the researches (and go for them) and actually read their description, you will see that you can indeed increase the productivity AND speed of your vehicles.
For Plymouth for example do the followings:
1) Cybernetic Teleportation
2) Robot assist Mechanic
3) Advanced Robotic Manipulator
Overview: Improves Convec, EarthWorker, Robot Dozer and Garage productivity
extended version : Certain units such as Convec, use manipulator arms to accomplish complex tasks. Our cybernetic experts have a proposal for improving the flexibility and strength of those manipulator arms.
There is also this one:
Scout-class Drive Train Refit
Overview: Increase Scout, Robot-Surveyor , and Lynx speeds.
The Scout, and some similar vehicles, use the G-75 drive train. We have discovered a
design flaw in the G-75 that impairs its efficiency. This project would redesign the G-75 to
make it more effective.
In terms of speed again, there is the
Robot Command Center, which with only one worker can operate and help Cargo trucks, Convec and other vehicles find fastest ways of getting from point A to point B. This is analogous to improving their speed since the time used to travel is considerably decreased.
Whether Mobile or static, the command vehicle is not needed.
Also keep in mind that even though "Genesis" is landing on another planet, they have "inherited" the technology of their parents. Needless to say that Plymouth and Eden (if they survive the Blight) won't suddenly forget their technology.
Thanks for your input